To investigate the duration of indwelling ureteral stent after the ureteroscopic lithotripsy.

300 cases of patients were retrospectively analyzed from June 2015 to June 2017, including 168 with renal calculi and 132 with non-incarcerated upper ureteral calculi. The size of stone is <2 cm in diameter. According to the length of time for indwelling ureteral stent, all patients were divided into two groups-150 cases in 14-day group (Group A) and 150 in the 28-day group (Group B) for comparing the complication and outcome, and then received modular flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy combined with holmium laser. Lastly, 6F ureteral stent was indwelling postoperatively.

Complications happened in both two groups after stenting. There were 140 cases (93.3%) complained of bladder irritation symptoms(LUTS) in Group A, while 107 (71.3%) in Group B; 85 cases (56.7%) suffered from flank or abdominal pain in Group A and 36 (24%) in Group B; gross hematuria happened in 133 cases (88.7%) of Group A and 60 cases (40%) of Group B. As the duration of indwelling ureteral stent extended, the incidence of complications increased, significantly (P<0.05). CT scan showed there was no statistical difference in stone-free rate (diameter<3 mm) of two groups [A group: 91.3%(137/150) vs. B group: 89.3%(134/150), respectively].

With high stone-free rate and low complication incidence, 2-week indwelling ureteral stent is safe for patients suffered from renal calculi or non-incarcerated upper ureteral calculi(diameter<2 cm).

Flexible ureteroscope; Double-J ureteral stents; Holmium laser; Renal calculi; Upper ureteral calculi